Still, how the market outside your doorstep fares is of marginal concern: you want to know how to improve your own bottom line. Allow me to share with you five reasons why 2013 is going to be your best year yet for helping Americans plan smartly for their retirement:

1) Demographics. Sometimes we get lost in statistics: the 10,000 baby boomers who turn 65 every day, or the 78 million who comprise the Age Wave. You can't visit more than one family at a time, so let's choose more significant numbers. For instance, the fact that women incur 67 percent of all claims, and account for 70 percent of all claim dollars. That trend will resonate throughout 2013 as carriers respond with (and react to) gender-distinct pricing. When speaking to women, your messaging should change likewise.

2) The trade group. For too many years our industry has spoken with many mouths. Although the carriers themselves exhibit perhaps the best reach, the highest-caliber materials, and the best judgment, they suffer naturally from a curse of perceived self-interest. Enter the 3in4 Association.

Hence, it is perfectly positioned as a consistent voice of LTCi planning.

3) The awareness campaign. You couldn't go two weeks last year without Dr. Marion making headlines in her tour bus. We all saw the YouTube videos and read the press releases. This year's campaign is coming to the TV set in your home-- building on the strong media relationships already forged during the tour, 3in4NeedMore will be encouraging TV stations to run as many as five public service announcements (PSAs) throughout 2013.

Imagine the lift you'll receive when your client has just viewed a commercial in support of LTCi planning or LTCi partnership. We also expect additional national spokespeople to help "spread the Gospel"-- we'll be keeping our fingers crossed for sports & entertainment figures to extend our reach to new markets.

4) Social media marketing. Speaking of new markets, the future is digital. Although many producers intrinsically know this, just as many need help getting from A to B. The 3in4 Association-- which already supports robust Facebook, YouTube and Twitter properties-- has created a referral-generator specifically utilizing Facebook which any agent can use.

5) Sales tools. How do you rise above the agent across the block to position yourself as the go-to expert in your region? Make yourself indispensible. Provide resources which are not readily available.

Here again, the 3in4 Association has you covered: you will want to order the comprehensive "Essentials of Long-Term Care Planning" (hardcopy and .pdf) as soon as possible. This piece can be branded with your photo, bio & contact information, and co-branded with the logo of a company you wish to prospect.

You'll wish to order (and set-up) take-one displays in healthcare and legal establishments; email 3in4-branded quarterly newsletters to your book of business; and conduct seminars using 3in4-branded powerpoints.

LTC insurance is not necessarily right and proper for everyone, but LTC planning is a step that everyone facing retirement must undergo. Three out of four families have not yet had that conversation. It's our job-- our mission-- to help simplify the complex and help as many Americans have that conversation as possible.